Across our Nation, law enforcement officers carry the great responsibility
of protecting their fellow citizens. On Peace Officers' Memorial Day and
during Police Week, we honor these brave public servants who fight crime,
violence, and terrorism, and we pay homage to the heroes who have fallen in
the line of duty.

With valor and devotion, our country's law enforcement officers stand watch
on the front lines and help make our communities safer and more secure.
Fulfilling their duties with courage and commitment, they work tirelessly
and put themselves in harm's way, exemplifying the good and decent
character of America.

As we observe Peace Officers' Memorial Day and Police Week, we pause to pay
tribute to those who serve in law enforcement. On this occasion, we
especially remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and we pray
for the families and friends they have left behind. We thank all the
extraordinary American men and women who have answered the call to serve in
law enforcement for their commitment to justice and to their communities.

By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676),
and by Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President
has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as
"Peace Officers' Memorial Day" and the week in which it falls as "Police
Week," and to direct that the flag be flown at half staff on Peace
Officers' Memorial Day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2008, as Peace Officers' Memorial Day
and May 11 through May 17, 2008, as Police Week. I call on all Americans
to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also
call on Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
officials of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half staff on Peace Officers' Memorial Day. I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half staff from their homes and businesses on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-second.